Here! Now! Imperative: not to be avoided: necessary. In a typical week, the show will cover not only all the big news stories, but also the stories behind the stories, or some of the less crucial but equally intriguing things happening in the world.

Here! Now! Imperative: not to be avoided: necessary. In a typical week, the show will cover not only all the big news stories, but also the stories behind the stories, or some of the less crucial but equally intriguing things happening in the world.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012Redfern on redistricting in 2013ODP chair Redfern says Issue 2 may have failed, but it’s not going awayby WKSU's STATEHOUSE BUREAU CHIEF KAREN KASLERThis story is part of a special series.

Issue 2 may have failed Tuesday, but one of its backers says the issue behind it isn’t settled. Issue 2 would have taken the authority to draw district maps for state and federal lawmakers out of the hands of elected officials, and it lost by a 2-1 margin, according to unofficial results.

But Ohio Democratic Party chair Chris Redfern says he thinks another move to change the map-drawing method will happen soon.

(sound)Issue 2, which was reform amendment to change the way we proportion and determine congressional and legislative districts. I think there'll be an additional effort in 2013 to place something on the ballot that will speak to the importance of reforming the gerrymandering process.

The maps drawn last year were widely criticized as being wildly partisan and even unfair. Democrats and union groups had backed Issue 2, while Republicans, business organizations and socially conservative groups had opposed it.

Republicans said Issue 2 was too complicated, and noted that Democrats blocked making changes to the map-drawing process when they were in the majority.

Listener Comments:

can this issue be put on the ballot again? you need to get the message out about what this vote will mean for future electionPosted by: lori simmons (ravenna ohio) on December 12, 2012 11:12AM